TN Tech. trucking program, Knoxville TN

Update on how school is going:

Hubby and I are a few weeks into school now and everything is going good. We are very happy with our choice of school! Our instructor is awesome. There are three of us in the class, which gives us lots of time to practice our driving skills.

We spent the first week or so going over pre-trip planning/map reading, which was very helpful. I've heard that the other schools around here do not go over pretrip planning or teach how to read maps, etc. It's very important to be able to plan a safe trip, saves time and money!

We've been driving in the yard for a couple of weeks. We first learned how to couple/uncouple to the trailer. Then straight-line backing, then offset backing, and are now learning the 90 degree backing. We are using an older model Freightliner which runs like a top. The practice yard is located in behind the building we have class in. A nice little building sits adjacent to the practice lot where we can sit and watch each other practice. Nice big windows, table and chairs.

I like having a small class because we get lots of individual attention and help, which we wouldn't have got in those other schools where there are more students with only two or three weeks to practice driving. Learning to back up the tractor-trailor is much more complex than it looks!

Another great thing about this school is that we are allowed to go to the school early in the morning, before class, and practice driving. We can start as early as 6:30am. And we are also allowed to stay later in the evening and practice, which hubby and I have been doing. Learning those backing skills takes lots of practice and patience!

 

That's very true. Our instructor has told of us of many people that cannot pass the driving skills test. For whatever reason, they can't back the truck/tractor correctly...so they fail. Like you said, if something does go wrong that I cannot complete school, I've lost only $762....not $4000 plus interest! Recruiters from these other schools can say all they want about getting to work sooner...blah blah blah....

hey, some of us actually want to be in school a little longer so we can be great drivers!!!

 

I was referring to recruiters and schools (plural) that have harassed us. Sorry if you thought I was pointing you out TMC. I do not need to graduate trucking school asap and hire on with a trucking company asap because I have money coming in while in school.

 

We are using a older model freightliner to learn how to shift gears and backing skills. It's really tough and takes a lot of abuse! Its fun to drive.

They have an older model Peterbuilt also. When we get better at driving we will be allowed to practice in the peterbuilt.

For on the highway driving, they have a couple of new looking trucks. I haven't got up close to them yet, don't know what kind they are. They look new and are very nice!

 

Hubby and I have graduated from school!

We are very happy with our experience at TN tech. and would recommend their program to anyone.